PowerBoostConcept Air Resistance Rower

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UnitSizeSupported
weight
ResistanceFitness
meter
Warranty
PowerBoostConcept
Rowing Machine


Check Discounted Price
L:98.4"
W:24.4"
H:44.5"
500 lbsAir,
10 levels
Time,
Distance,
Watts,
Calories,
Strokes,
Total
strokes,
Pulse,
Intervals,
Bluetooth
5 years

The PowerBoostConcept rower is basically a copy of the Concept2 Model D air resistance rower. It is not a cheap copy, though. It has a pretty sturdy construction, and a very similar air resistance system. However, it is equipped with a different fitness monitor.

Key Features and Specifications

  • Assembled dimensions: 98.4L x 24.4W x 44.5H inches (250L x 62W x 113H cm)
  • Assembled weight: 75 lbs (34 kg)
  • Supported weight: 500 lbs (227 kg)
  • Frame: Steel, foldable
  • Footrests: Adjustable, with straps
  • Resistance: Air, 10 levels
  • Fitness monitor: Time, distance, strokes, total strokes, calories, watts, pulse, intervals, recovery, Bluetooth
  • Warranty: 5 years

Frame construction

The PowerBoostConcept rower features a heavy-duty steel frame combining oval, cylindrical, and rectangular tubes in its construction. It is double-coated with a corrosion-resistant paint finish. The color used is black, this being the only color available for this particular model.

The machine is pretty large, especially lengthwise. It is approx. 98.4″ (250 cm) long, and 24.4″ (62 cm) wide. Plus, it is recommended to allow at least two feet of clearance at the rear of the rail and on each side for ease of access and correct usage. This being said, it may not fit too well in a small room or apartment.

On the other hand, the rower is foldable. The rail with the seat can easily detach from the front section of the machine. Thus, the two main parts can be stored either vertically or horizontally allowing you to save some space when you’re not using the machine.

This rower is pretty heavy. Its net weight is approx. 75 lbs (34 kg). This being said, the transport of the packaged unit may require two people. However, once it is assembled, it can easily be moved by only one person as its front base integrates two transport wheels.

The machine’s rail is pretty long, approx. 55″ (140 cm). Therefore, the rower should be able to accommodate users of all sizes. The rail has a protective stainless steel plate on top to prevent the wear of the paint. It is horizontal, so the machine provides a standard, neutral rowing motion. It is also pretty sturdy, rated for a maximum user weight limit of 500 lbs (227 kg).

Seat and other parts

The PowerBoostConcept rower is equipped with a seat designed for optimal comfort. Its top section features a layer of thick, high-density foam. It is contoured in order to provide a better positioning for the user. It is approx. 12.5″ (31.7 cm) wide, so it provides plenty of contact surface.

The seat’s frame is made of steel. It integrates three sets of wheels. Two of them slide on top of the rail, while the third slides under the top protective plate for extra stability. The wheels have built-in sealed ball bearings for a smooth seat motion. They also have a layer of rubber coating on the outside to reduce noise.

The height of the seat is approx. 14″ (36 cm) above floor level. It is pretty high, so most users should not have any trouble positioning themselves on the rower.

The rower is equipped with an ergonomic pulling handle. It is slightly curved in order to reduce the impact on your wrists during rowing. It has rubber foam grips for improved comfort. It is also chrome-plated for an extra aesthetic touch.

The machine’s pulling handle attaches to a chain similar to a bike chain. Therefore, its drive system can last a lifetime. However, compared to a rope or a synthetic mesh strap, the usage of the machine is a bit noisier. Plus, the chain should be lubricated from time to time to prevent it from catching rust.

The PowerBoostConcept rower is equipped with two adjustable footrests. They have heel guards and straps so you can perfectly stabilize your feet on them. They do not pivot on their axis, though. Their angle is approx. 45°, for optimal foot positioning during rowing.

Resistance system

The PowerBoostConcept rowing machine is equipped with an air resistance system. Its main resistance-generating element is a large fan concealed by the front plastic covers. The fan is connected to the chain drive system through a set of pulleys. Therefore, when you pull the handle, it spins inside its casing generating resistance.

The rower does not have a magnetic brake or any other resistance elements. However, its casing features a damper with 10 adjustment positions. By adjusting the damper, the casing allows more or less air inside which leads to more or less resistance.

Similar to any other fitness machine with an air resistance system, the PowerBoostConcept rower delivers a dynamic response during usage. The resistance depends on your stroke rate. Differently put, the faster you pull the handle, the faster the fan will spin inside its casing, and the more resistance you will get. This resembles (up to a point) the rowing of a real boat through water and the rowing experience is more authentic.

Most air resistance rowers are pretty noisy compared to magnetic rowers. The PowerBoostConcept model makes no exception. Although it does not generate an extremely loud noise during usage, it can still be heard. Its exact decibel output is not specified, but as a general idea, the sound level produced during rowing can be compared to the one of a large electric fan.

Fitness monitor

As we’ve mentioned above, the PowerBoostConcept is equipped with a different type of fitness monitor than the standard PM5 that is included with the Concept2 rowers. It features an LCD display divided into multiple sub-sections in order to show as many workout metrics as possible at once, so you won’t have to use a Scan Mode to rotate them. It tracks time, distance, watts, calories, strokes, total strokes, and pulse. The distance is shown in meters. The pulse reading function requires you to wear a wireless HR chest strap transmitter as the machine does not have any built-in contact sensors. An HR chest strap is not included, but the unit should work with any 5.3 kHz chest strap.

The monitor unit has several programs to keep you motivated. To begin with, it has the Manual mode which simply records your strokes, meters, watts, calories, etc. as you row. Next, there are two interval programs, one with a work interval of 20 seconds, and a rest interval of 10 seconds, the other with a work interval of 10 seconds, and a rest interval of 20 seconds. Both these programs have quick selection keys on the monitor unit. And finally, there is a Recovery Test function. This requires you to wear an HR chest strap. It enables the monitor unit to count your pulse at the end of your workout, and based on how quickly your heart rate returns to its normal BPM, it will give you a fitness rating between F1 – Excellent, and F6 – Poor.

The unit also has Bluetooth connectivity so you can sync it with your favorite fitness app and keep track of your progress online.

The monitor unit is battery-powered. It has a long mount that allows for angle adjustment. It starts up when you begin rowing and also automatically turns off if it does not detect any activity on the rower for several minutes. It does not have a device holder or any ports for connecting it to a PC, phone, or tablet via cable.

Assembly and Maintenance

The machine’s resistance unit comes pre-assembled. You only need to attach the front stabilizer, insert the seat on the rail, add the rear stabilizer, and the monitor. This shouldn’t take more than 30 minutes. All the necessary tools are included and the manual provides clear assembly instructions.

For maintenance, the machine should be kept clean, especially the rail to prevent any damage to the seat’s wheels. The chain should be oiled after a while to prevent link locking and rust. In case the fan accumulates dust, you can vacuum it from the outside without taking its casing apart. Other than this, you should also periodically check for loose bolts and parts.

The Pros

  • Heavy-duty frame construction;
  • Superior weight capacity – can support users up to 500 lbs (227 kg);
  • Aesthetic design;
  • The rail can easily detach from the front unit in order to provide better storage possibilities;
  • Transport wheels on the front stabilizer;
  • Extra-long rail for users of all sizes;
  • Ergonomic seat with a contoured top;
  • Adjustable footrests with heel guards and straps;
  • Air resistance for a dynamic response;
  • 10-level damper for resistance adjustment;
  • Fitness monitor included – it tracks time, distance, SPM, total strokes, watts, calories, and pulse;
  • 20/10 and 10/20 interval programs;
  • Pulse recovery function;
  • Bluetooth connectivity;
  • Angle-adjustable mount for the fitness monitor;
  • Little assembly required;
  • Little maintenance required.

The Cons

  • A heart rate chest strap is not included;
  • No backlight on the fitness monitor.

Summary

The PowerBoostConcept rower is a fitness machine made for home use. It features a steel frame with an extra-long rail, rated for a maximum user weight limit of 500 lbs. It is equipped with a 10-level air resistance system and a fitness monitor that tracks the most important workout metrics. It is also foldable. It’s a pretty decent machine for a full-body cardio workout, muscle toning, stamina development, and weight loss.

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1 thought on “PowerBoostConcept Air Resistance Rower”

  1. I bought the grey one. Definitely a C2 clone. Take it apart and reassemble. None of the pieces are tightened. Just finger tight. The monitor works with the fitshow app, had to find out on my own. Not in the manual. However, when you connect it turns the monitor off. The chain needs adjusted. Just tighten the corresponding bolt. The seat, fan, everything is loose. There wear three bolts onside the machine. One in the fan, easy to remove. Ome in the computer by the chain adjustment bolt, and one in the bottom of the box. I paid 365 on Amazon. A lot of people sent back but it’s not bad once you reassemble and of you don’t need a fancy pm5. The schematics in the manual show a PM3, lol.

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